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Okomu Crisis: Lawrence Yanbor’s Claims, Peace Move, and Its Absurdity – Community

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The natives of Okomu community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State have reacted to Lawrence Yanbor’s readiness to drop his arms and embrace peace in the community and its environs.

The community described Yanbor’s peace move, particularly his narration in an online publication, as the “absurdity of the century.”

Lawrence Yanbor claimed that the denial of natives’ political and indigenous rights by the Edo State government, Okomu Oil Palm Company, Okomu National Park, and others pushed him and his gang to raise arms against these entities and agitate for their rights.

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He stated that “perceived neglect and marginalization of our people, among several other reasons, have since 2010 led to our agitation that the relevant authorities – the government and others like Okomu Oil Palm Company, Ose Rubber, and Okomu National Park Service – should address our demands for a better situation for the generality of the people.”

READ ALSO: Okomu Attack: INC Talks Tough, Warns Those Twisting The Incident To Desist Or…

However, reacting to his claims, Chief Edwin Denmene, the Ibe-uyadonwei of Okomu kingdom; Chief Rickson Nanaghan, the Otugbu of Okomu kingdom; and Chief (Dr) Atele Biriodoubrah, the Ibe-bolowoniwei of Okomu kingdom, on behalf of the entire kingdom, described Yanbor’s claims and peace move as an illusion that shouldn’t be taken seriously.

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According to them, Yanbor’s claim of fighting for the rights of Okomu is absurd because he can’t be claiming to fight for them while simultaneously terrorizing and burning their properties. The trio, who said they are not against any peaceful resolution of the crisis, warned the Edo government and other authorities to be wary of Yanbor’s peace move.

The Okomu chiefs described Lawrence Yanbor’s peace move as pretentious and dangerous, saying that if he wants a peaceful resolution of the crisis, he should first rebuild the over 40 houses he razed in the community.

They added, “Lawrence Yanbor claimed that neglect and marginalization forced him to carry arms, but we have not seen him carry arms against the Edo government, Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC, or Okomu National Park, rather, he has been raising arms against the Okomu community he claims to be fighting for.

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READ ALSO: Militants Attacks: Okomu Community Sends SOS To Obaseki, Edo CP

“Well, we are not against peace; we want total peace in that community, but what we are saying is that if Lawrence Yanbor says he wants peace, fine, but we want him to go and rebuild all the houses that he burnt down, and replace all the properties he destroyed. After doing this, he is free to come and drop his arms and embrace amnesty.

“Our point empathetically is that he cannot come from the backdoor after destroying properties and thereafter say he wants peace. Lawrence must face the wrath of the land. What he has been doing is a criminal offence.

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“Edo State government should properly investigate this issue before giving amnesty to Lawrence Yanbor. If he is given amnesty without proper investigation, and doing the needful, other groups may come up again.”

On Lawrence Yanbor’s claim of being the Chief Priest of Okomu kingdom, the chiefs refuted: “This is an impersonation by Lawrence Yanbor. We don’t think he even knows the meaning. We have a recognised Chief Priest in our kingdom, not Lawrence Yanbor with his criminal activities.”

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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